Federal Jury Convicts Two Florida Residents of Drug Trafficking, Weapons Charges
Two Florida residents were recently convicted of trafficking large quantities of controlled substances. One was also convicted of distributing methamphetamine while the other was convicted of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The two were charged along with seven co-conspirators in a superseding indictment resulting from an investigation conducted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).
According to federal prosecutors, the two defendants were local drug dealers who operated in Volusia and Flagler Counties. Prosecutors say they were part of a drug organization that imported large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from Mexico into Arizona and California and then transported the illegal drugs in commercial trucks to the Middle District of Florida. One of the defendants was accused of purchasing and selling distribution quantities of cocaine from his home in Bunnell. Authorities executed six search warrants across locations in Palm Coast, Bunnell, and Daytona Beach, including the defendant’s residence. During a search of the defendant’s residence, authorities seized 9 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, cocaine, a digital scale, and small baggies. The defendant was a previously convicted felon, so it was unlawful for him to possess firearms at the time of his arrest.
What are the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces?
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) is described as an independent component of the U.S. Department of Justice. It was established in 1982 and facilitates the prosecution of transnational organized crime, mainly organized drug trafficking. The strategy involves a prosecutor-led multi-agency approach to drug crimes enforcement. They handle transnational organized crime, money laundering, and battle major drug trafficking networks under the guidance of the Attorney General. The OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country, accountable to over 500 federal prosecutors, 1,200 federal agents, and 5,000 state and local police officers. Its stated goal is to target and dismantle criminal drug organizations.
Federal drug trafficking charges
Federal drug trafficking charges often involve allegations of manufacturing distribution, transportation, or the sale of drugs. However, it is possible to face federal drug trafficking charges even if you didn’t engage in any of those activities. Federal prosecutors can charge you with trafficking simply for being in possession of a quantity of drugs that qualifies under the trafficking statute.
In the case mentioned above, prosecutors found the defendant in possession of a large quantity of cocaine. They suspected that he was dealing cocaine out of his Bunnell residence. He was charged with drug trafficking and is currently awaiting sentencing.
Talk to a Tampa, FL Federal Drug Trafficking Charges Attorney Today
If you are under investigation for drug trafficking or have been charged with drug trafficking, it is imperative that you retain experienced legal counsel immediately. You can face decades in prison on mandatory minimum sentences under federal law.
The Matassini Law Firm has successfully helped clients who have been charged under the federal drug trafficking statute. Nicholas G. Matassini is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by the Florida Bar. Call our Tampa criminal lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense immediately.
Source:
justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/jury-finds-remaining-co-defendants-guilty-multi-state-drug-trafficking-conspiracy-and
